Essential Information

Below is some information we hope will be useful to anyone intending to visit Auroville. Please read it carefully!

Visa Requirements

If you are coming to Auroville from another country, please check with a relevant Indian Embassy or High Commission what kind of visa you will need.

Arrival Formalities

When you arrive at your Auroville accommodation you will need to complete an Arrival Form. This will entitle you to a Guest Card allowing you to purchase a range of goods and services in places in Auroville where cash payment is not accepted. Guests wishing to eat in the community-run Solar Kitchen may purchase Meal Coupons at the Guest Service.

Guest Contribution

Guests who stay in Auroville in a personal residence are required to pay Rs150 per day as a community contribution. If you stay in a registered Guest House however, this contribution will be included in the accommodation price. Without an Auroville account, you may make your payment directly to the Financial Service, where you will be issued with a Guest Card.

Guest Card and Guest Account

Guests staying more than one week may, using their Guest Card, open a Guest Account at a Financial Service office (at the Town Hall or near Aspiration Community). Guest Accounts may be used at any Auroville restaurants and for most Auroville services and activities.

Transport

– Please try not to bring cars or large vehicles into the central area of Auroville.
– We are trying to keep this area as free as possible from heavy, polluting vehicles.
– Contact Auroville Transport Service or Unity Transport Service for taxi services between Auroville, Puducherry and Chennai. Within Auroville there are many rental services for bicycles and motorised 2-wheelers.
– To rent an electric bicycle contact e-Cycle Rental (+91 83004606-79/80 ) kinisi@auroville.org.in